What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Years ago, the condition was called Gardnerella Vaginitis.
This was because of the fact that bacteria were thought to directly cause the condition.
A newer name, Bacterial Vaginosis, indicates that there are large quantities of species of bacteria that live naturally in the vagina and often grow to excess.
Although the Gardnerella organism is not the only source causing the symptoms, it is when the multitude of bacteria within the vagina combine, the natural balance of both "good" and 'harmful" that the condition of Bacterial Vaginosis results.
The "good" bacteria are unable to fight against the "harmful" bacteria thereby causing an imbalance.
Bacterial Vaginosis is one of the most common infections/conditions that affect women.
There are only two other conditions that are as common, Trichomoniasis and a Vaginal Yeast Infection.
Usually, Bacterial Vaginosis is a mild infection of the vagina that may go away on its own within a few days; however, should you suspect that you have BV and it is not going away; it would be wise to consult a doctor.
By not treating, the condition could lead to problems that are more serious.
BV cannot be transferred to a male partner; therefore, to treat the male partner is not beneficial.
However, if the woman is bisexual or lesbian, she can spread the condition to her female partners.
There are several serious risks to a woman that does not seek treatment for this condition, these being susceptibility to the HIV virus, if she has been exposed to it.
The increase of spreading HIV to her partner.
An increase of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) has also been associated with women that have BV and that have recently had an abortion or hysterectomy.
Other STDs, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can also be more prevalent in a woman that has BV.
This infection is found mostly in sexually active women and in approximately 16 percent of pregnant women, according to the CDC.
Bacterial Vaginosis is most commonly associated with women that have had multiple sexual partners, a new sex partner, or those that use feminine products, such as douching, using feminine hygiene products and some antibiotics.
Women that are pregnant and have contracted Bacterial Vaginosis should be seen and treated by their OB/GYN as soon as they notice the related symptoms.
BV has been found to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, postpartum endometritis, and intraamniotic infection.
A physician should closely monitor any woman that has BV and is pregnant.
BV is a treatable condition and if you seek help from your physician, either a dose of antibiotics, in pill form, cream or gel will bring the natural balance of your vagina back within its normal good bacterial level.
One thing to remember, recurrence after treatment is not unusual.
Although very little is known about how women contract BV and many questions remain about the role that the harmful bacteria play in causing BV.
Any female can develop BV, but all women should rest assured that they cannot catch BV from a toilet seat, swimming or even from sheets.
This was because of the fact that bacteria were thought to directly cause the condition.
A newer name, Bacterial Vaginosis, indicates that there are large quantities of species of bacteria that live naturally in the vagina and often grow to excess.
Although the Gardnerella organism is not the only source causing the symptoms, it is when the multitude of bacteria within the vagina combine, the natural balance of both "good" and 'harmful" that the condition of Bacterial Vaginosis results.
The "good" bacteria are unable to fight against the "harmful" bacteria thereby causing an imbalance.
Bacterial Vaginosis is one of the most common infections/conditions that affect women.
There are only two other conditions that are as common, Trichomoniasis and a Vaginal Yeast Infection.
Usually, Bacterial Vaginosis is a mild infection of the vagina that may go away on its own within a few days; however, should you suspect that you have BV and it is not going away; it would be wise to consult a doctor.
By not treating, the condition could lead to problems that are more serious.
BV cannot be transferred to a male partner; therefore, to treat the male partner is not beneficial.
However, if the woman is bisexual or lesbian, she can spread the condition to her female partners.
There are several serious risks to a woman that does not seek treatment for this condition, these being susceptibility to the HIV virus, if she has been exposed to it.
The increase of spreading HIV to her partner.
An increase of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) has also been associated with women that have BV and that have recently had an abortion or hysterectomy.
Other STDs, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can also be more prevalent in a woman that has BV.
This infection is found mostly in sexually active women and in approximately 16 percent of pregnant women, according to the CDC.
Bacterial Vaginosis is most commonly associated with women that have had multiple sexual partners, a new sex partner, or those that use feminine products, such as douching, using feminine hygiene products and some antibiotics.
Women that are pregnant and have contracted Bacterial Vaginosis should be seen and treated by their OB/GYN as soon as they notice the related symptoms.
BV has been found to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, postpartum endometritis, and intraamniotic infection.
A physician should closely monitor any woman that has BV and is pregnant.
BV is a treatable condition and if you seek help from your physician, either a dose of antibiotics, in pill form, cream or gel will bring the natural balance of your vagina back within its normal good bacterial level.
One thing to remember, recurrence after treatment is not unusual.
Although very little is known about how women contract BV and many questions remain about the role that the harmful bacteria play in causing BV.
Any female can develop BV, but all women should rest assured that they cannot catch BV from a toilet seat, swimming or even from sheets.
